Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Saturday said the opposition leaders, who were either in jail or on bail or being investigated (for corruption), could not be invited to attend a high-profile reception. Responding to the criticism against government for not inviting the opposition leadership to the reception being hosted in honour of Saudi crown prince, the minister, in a Tweet, asked as to how they could be invited when the central leaders of the opposition were either behind the bars or out on bail or facing investigations (over loot and plunder). The rest had no political stature and there was no use to extend invitation to them, he added. The minister said the absence of a serious opposition was a political crisis. He, however, expressed the hope that a new opposition leadership might emerge in future. Meanwhile, the minister said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government wanted to transform relations with Saudi Arabia into a strategic partnership. In an interview with a Saudi TV channel, Fawad said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were enjoying historical relations, which were based on the principals of Islamic solidarity and economic coordination. He said Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, which was constructed by Saudi Arabia, showed the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries. He said the people of Pakistan support the vision of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. Saudi philosophy based on Islamic principles of brotherhood and social justice is fast emerging as a leading force of the Islamic world, he said. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are joining hands to devise a joint strategy for future, he added. The minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan has a vision to transform Pakistan on the pattern of State of Madina. Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had laid the foundation of that society based on tolerance, brotherhood and justice, he said. The crown prince also has the vision based on such values, he added. Fawad said the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Saudi Arabia had helped strengthening of relations between the two countries further. He said full cooperation was being extended to the Saudi Ministry of Information for promoting Islamic brotherhood. The minister said Pakistan has many picturesque areas and after visiting those many people even forget the Swiss tourist resorts. The world’s highest snow-capped mountain peaks, oceans and places with natural scenic beauty are located in Pakistan, he said. The government wants the Arab nationals to visit Pakistan’s tourist resorts instead of going to Europe and that is why visa regulations have been eased for them, he said. A joint committee has already been constituted for the purpose while a comprehensive memorandum of understanding would be signed during the visit of the crown prince in this regard, he added. Published in Daily Times, February 17th 2019.